The Tokyo Olympics is by far one of the most anticipated events, bringing people together while also presenting a number of surprises, one of which is a recent and very special victory. Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi, both high jumpers, qualified for the gold medal, but when the option of a jump-off was presented, they chose to share the medal instead.
This victory was noteworthy for a number of reasons. The heartwarming agreement between the athletes drew a lot of attention. It demonstrated that great things can be accomplished without prioritizing fierce competition. Barshim and Tamberi, it turns out, have known each other for a long time and have become friends who have supported each other through difficult times. They’ve both had serious ankle injuries in the past.
People all over the world are cheering for these two athletes who decided to share their gold medal
Image credits: AFP
Mutaz Essa Barshim is a Qatari athlete who has won multiple gold medals since 2010. He suffered a severe ankle injury in 2018 and had to sit out the rest of the season. Following this, he was adamant about returning and ensuring his victory.
Image credits: CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA
Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi became the first joint 1st-place winners since 1912
Image credits: REUTERS
Barshim’s path was very similar to that of Gianmarco Tamberi, an Italian high jumper. He won the World Indoor Championships in 2016. The Olympics were held the same year, but he was unable to compete due to his injury. Tamberi’s fun fact is that he used to show up to some major competitions with only half of his beard shaved, leaving people perplexed as to why.
Image credits: Pool via Reuters
Image credits: Valery Sharifulin/TASS
Image credits: ZUMAPRESS.com
Both athletes were successful in jumping 2.37 meters during the Olympics. After that, they attempted three times to jump 2.39 meters, but all three attempts failed. They could have settled this over a jump-off because their scores were the same. The athletes went to speak with officials about the situation, and it didn’t take long for them to decide to share the victory. This is the first time athletes have shared a gold medal since the 1912 Olympics.
How do you feel about this victory? Remember to leave them in the comments section below!
People in the comments were fascinated by their instant decision to share the gold medal
However, some people found this unacceptable as it defeats the purpose of competition
